RIVER LIONS SIGN AUSTRALIAN CENTER GORJOK GAK
St. Catharines, ON – The Niagara River Lions announced today the signing of 6’11 center Gorjok Gak for the remainder of the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. Gak is expected to join the team ahead of Friday night’s matchup against the Scarborough Shooting Stars at the Meridian Centre.
"I’m looking forward to getting out to Niagara and meeting the team and staff,” said Gak. “I’m also really excited for the opportunity to compete in the CEBL. I’ve heard nothing but great things about the league!"
Gak joins the River Lions after a 2025-26 campaign that saw him play for the Sichuan Blue Whales of the CBA and the South East Melbourne Phoenix of the Australian NBL. A dominant presence on the glass, Gak anchored the interior in China by averaging 7.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game across 14 contests.
“Gorjok is a 6’11 center who will help reinforce our interior play,” said Head Coach and General Manager Kimbal Mackenzie. “He’s a big man who is light on his feet, has good touch, and will provide us with rim protection. We’re excited to bring him in!”
The St. Clair, Australia native began his collegiate career at the University of Florida, appearing in 46 games for the Gators in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). He later transferred to California Baptist University, where he enjoyed a breakout graduate season and established himself as one of the Western Athletic Conference’s premier frontcourt players. Gak earned NABC All-District (6) Second Team, WAC All-Conference Second Team, WAC All-Defensive Team, and WAC All-Newcomer Team honours after averaging a double-double with 13.5 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. His standout campaign included a collegiate career-high 26-point performance against the Long Beach 49ers.
After going undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft, Gak launched his professional career in the Czech Republic with
CEZ Nymburk, helping the club capture the
Czech NBL championship while averaging 7.8 points and 5.9 rebounds in 26.3 minutes per game. He then returned to Australia to join the
Brisbane Bullets of the NBL, where he averaged 4.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists. After completing his first NBL season, Gak joined the
Willetton Tigers in Australia’s
NBL1 West during the offseason, where he quickly became one of the NBL1 West’s most dominant frontcourt players. In 2023, Gak was named the Men's NBL1 West Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) and earned All-Star Five honours after averaging 20.1 points and 12.2 rebounds per game. The following summer, Gak returned to the NBL1 West with the
Rockingham Flames, averaging 20.4 points, 11.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.2 blocks over 20 games. He was once again recognized among the league’s best, earning All-NBL1 West First Team and All-Defensive Team honours.
The Niagara River Lions are one of the founding franchises of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) and the league’s reigning back-to-back champions (2024 & 2025). Competing out of the Meridian Centre in downtown St. Catharines, from May to August each season, the River Lions proudly represent the twelve municipalities of the Niagara Region, uniting fans through passion, pride, and purpose. Entering their second decade, the River Lions have earned a reputation for championship-caliber performance and community impact, embodying the strength and spirit of Niagara both on and off the court.
For more information, visit www.riverlions.ca or follow on social: @NiagaraRiverLions on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, & LinkedIn and @RiverLions on X.
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Media Contact:
Cole Meyering
Communications Coordinator